A time of reflection, hope, and gratitude I am taking advantage of the quiet period weather wise to rest and get over a cold that flared up on me late last week. There is not much going on weather wise until Friday where we may get a mixed bag, and then a potential storm around New Years to keep track of. The holidays are a time of mixed emotions for many people. I am no different. Many of you long time followers and personal friends are aware of what my family has been through over the past two years. Unexpected losses of loved ones and the changes that come along with it can be difficult. With life comes challenges that at times appear daunting. While it can be hard, life has taught me that when one door closes, another opens, and it is better than I ever expected. Sometimes it takes patience, perseverance, and at times to rely on complete faith to get through rough seasons. It takes surrounding yourself with good people that keep your best interest in mind, even if that means having difficult conversations where words that are spoken may not be what you want to hear, but what you need to hear. I know what it is like to live a life in addiction... isolation, depression, despair, self-centeredness, self-pity, along with being filled with bitterness, anger and resentment. It's that kind of life that almost killed me 27 years ago. By the Grace of God, I don't have to live in that anymore. Challenges continue, but I found a much different way to deal with life through a personal, unique relationship with God of my own understanding. I don't have to be perfect, I just have to be willing. It's not about punishment, it's about learning. It's not about what others think, it's about looking myself in the mirror and what I think of myself and where that fits in the spiritual realm. I have posted on this site a reference to Matthew 19:26... "Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” As a human, I like to naturally confine problems of life in box and think I cannot accomplish things. What I have learned is how dreadfully wrong that ideology is. My life today is a result of ALL things being possible. All it took was the realization that I don't have the answers to the world problems or even my own, and trusting that something bigger than me does. Once I became willing and let go of my pride, things changed. I am not the least bit disappointed in the outcome. I get to do Pine Tree Weather because God blessed me with the opportunity to turn my life around. My prayer for each of you that follow is that whatever difficulties you may be facing, that you may find peace and His Grace while working through it. May His voice speak louder and clearer than any other, may you be willing to follow His guidance, and follow His direction. I would like to thank those again to who have made donations to support this site. The donor number is up to 67, which I am most grateful for. Your cards and words of encouragement have been inspiring. Seeing the wide range of towns where you folks have donated from has confirmed my thoughts all along that rural and suburban areas need weather coverage, also. I am within $350 of meeting the goal that I need to keep this site funded through October. If it is laid on your heart to help, please check out my Patreon page to donate there or you can message me on Facebook or Twitter to get my address to mail a check. Please take time for yourselves to turn off the noise of the holidays, and remember the blessings that have been given to you over the next week. If you are going through hard times, realize you are not alone and help is there for you. Don't be afraid to ask for it. Miracles do happen. It may not be what you expect, but it is truly amazing to see that what can come out of the absolute worst, can come the very best.  Weather reports resume December 26th.
All the best to you this holiday season. - Mike |
Mike Haggett
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